NMiF talks with retiring State Treasurer James B. Lewis

This week on New Mexico in Focus talks with State Treasurer James B. Lewis, who retires after nearly 40 years of public service in local, state and federal government. During his service, Lewis stepped into the role of state treasurer to resolve office scandals in addition to filling in as chief of staff.

The program airs Friday nights at 7 p.m. on channel 5.1 and appears online on the NMiF website shortly thereafter. The show rebroadcasts Saturday at 5 p.m. on channel 9.1 and again on Sunday at 7 a.m. on channel 5.1.

The panel discusses allegations against Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg. Albuquerque Police detectives told the Albuquerque Journal this week that they have probable cause to file felony charges against Brandenburg for allegedly violating the state law prohibiting bribery and intimidation. Brandenburg denies the violation and promises business as usual at the DA's office. However, she said she may re-evaluate her role in personally reviewing the shooting of a mentally ill camper in the Sandia foothills in March by APD officers.

The panel also turns its attention to the University of New Mexico and its method for responding to sexual assault cases. The U.S. Department of Justice is looking into what it termed "multiple complaints" over how UNM responds to allegations of sexual harassment and rape.

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Megan Kamerick. Associate producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program is provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund and the Santa Fe Community Foundation.